A Positive Home Pregnancy Test

Staring down at a positive pregnancy test is an intense experience for anyone, whether the pregnancy has been planned for a long time or comes as a complete surprise. If your pregnancy is unplanned, it is very natural to feel a deep sense of fear -- of the unknown, of what to do next, of telling your friends and family ... it is likely that all of these thoughts will begin to flood your head.

Keep everything in perspective. It can be difficult, but remember that you are far from alone, and most importantly, are free to make whatever decision you believe is best for you and your baby. You don't have to decide right now. Decide when the time is right for you. Nevertheless, there are several steps that are smart to take just as soon as you take a positive pregnancy test:

1. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider to confirm the test results as soon as possible.
2. Make a list of who you can share your news with. It is very important to build a solid support system, but  at first, it is best to keep your news to only a few trusted individuals until you decide what you are going to do. Gossip spreads fast and everyone will have an opinion of what you should do. These opinions will only serve to confuse and frustrate you.
3. You may want to make an appointment with a crisis pregnancy counselor. (Courtesy of Options magazine)
4. If you are considering adoption, you can talk to a pregnancy counselor at 1-800-ADOPTION.
5. Discontinue drugs and alcohol consumption immediately.
6. Consult with your physician regarding any over-the-counter medications you are taking.